Written questions by Hobhouse.

How he plans to encourage investment in (a) chemical recycling and (b) other green technologies.

The UK is committed to a circular economy which will keep resources in use as long as possible, extracting maximum value, minimizing waste and promoting resource efficiency. Policies such as the UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax help support innovation, growth and jobs in the waste management and the recycling sectors, including within chemical recycling. The UK supports investment into green technologies through competitive research and innovation-based incentives such as R&D tax credits, innovation funding and incentives.DBT will use its investment services to support Great British Energy to seek investment into new technologies to speed up and scale their deployment.

Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to use chemical recycling as part of his Department’s roadmap to a zero waste economy.

Chemical recycling technologies have a role to play together with mechanical recycling in helping us transition towards a circular economy by supporting the reduction in virgin plastic stock used in production.

Whether intellectual property provisions on plant genetic resources are being negotiated under the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.

Boosting trade abroad is essential to deliver a strong economy at home. That is why we are committed to negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with India, which is projected to be the world’s third largest economy by 2027.It is the department’s established practice to not comment on the details of live negotiations. We will commence negotiations as soon as possible to secure an agreement that creates new opportunities for businesses, supports jobs across the United Kingdom, and delivers growth.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to introduce mandatory food waste reporting.

The Government is committed to setting a clear roadmap to a circular economy – a future where our resources are used as efficiently and productively as possible for as long as possible, and waste is reduced. The ministerial team are reviewing policies to address the challenges associated with tackling food waste in the supply chain, and these will be announced in the usual way.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether it is his policy to introduce mandatory food waste reporting for large businesses.

The Government is committed to setting a clear roadmap to a circular economy – a future where our resources are used as efficiently and productively as possible for as long as possible, and waste is reduced. As a ministerial team, we are reviewing policies to address the challenges associated with tackling food waste in the supply chain, and these will be announced in the usual way.